Spicy Black Bean Cakes with Zesty Cilantro Crema

Recipe: Spicy Black Bean Cakes with Cilantro Crema

Description: 🌶️ Dive into the flavors of these Spicy Black Bean Cakes with a refreshing twist of Cilantro Crema. They’re perfect for a quick meal, packed with protein and fiber, and bursting with Southwestern-inspired spices. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a hearty dish or simply craving a flavor-packed meal, these bean cakes are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Servings: 10

Ingredients:

For Cilantro Crema:

• Sour cream: 2 cups
• Buttermilk: 1/2 cup
• Cilantro: 1 bunch
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 202.5
• Fat: 10.2g
• Saturated Fat: 6.2g
• Cholesterol: 20.7mg
• Sodium: 41.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 20.7g
• Fiber: 6.4g
• Sugar: 1.4g
• Protein: 8.2g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bean Cakes:

   • Begin by draining and rinsing the black beans thoroughly.
   • Finely chop the yellow onion and cilantro.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, sour cream, buttermilk, and lemon juice.
   • Use your hands to partially mash the black beans while mixing all the ingredients together. This helps bind the mixture and infuse flavors.

2. Shape the Patties:

   • Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into patties about 2 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. An ice cream scoop works well for measuring out the perfect-sized patties.

3. Cook the Bean Cakes:

   • Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
   • Fry the bean cakes for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exterior should be crispy while the interior remains moist and flavorful.

4. Prepare the Cilantro Crema:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the sour cream, buttermilk, cilantro, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
   • Transfer the crema to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld together and the crema to thicken slightly.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once the bean cakes are cooked, serve them immediately with a generous scoop of Avocado Salsa if desired, and a drizzle of the prepared Cilantro Crema.
   • Garnish with additional cilantro leaves for a fresh and vibrant touch.

6. Storage Tip:

   • Any leftover bean cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a pan or in the oven until warmed through before serving.

These Spicy Black Bean Cakes with Cilantro Crema are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a festive gathering with friends, or as a flavorful addition to your next taco night. With their bold flavors and satisfying texture, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy! 🍽️